Data creating device, data reproducing device, data processing system, and methods therefor

ABSTRACT

An RFD data creation apparatus  1  generates RFD data, for respective identification data of a plurality of content data, indicating by associating the identification data, reproduction timing of content data corresponding to the identification data in a reproduction apparatus  9 , and data for specifying other content data to be reproduced simultaneously with the content data corresponding to the identification data by the reproduction apparatus  9 , and transmits to the reproduction apparatus  9  via a network  8.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a data generation apparatus, a datareproduction apparatus, a data processing system and the methods formanaging reproduction forms of content data (multimedia materials), suchas motion pictures, still images and text.

BACKGROUND ART

There is a system to display a plurality of content data, such as movingimages, still images and text, at a time on a reproduction screen bygenerating new content data by combining the plurality of content datato be displayed at a time on the data providing side and providing thesame to a reproduction apparatus.

However, in such a system, in the case of providing various menuswherein moving images, still images and texts, etc. are partiallychanged on the reproduced screens, all of the above new content data tobe provided to each reproduction apparatus has to be separately created,so that it takes a lot of efforts.

Also, it is necessary that the data providing side always hold the wholecontent data, and there is a problem of causing a heavy load for that.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a data generationapparatus, a data reproduction apparatus, a data processing system andthe methods capable of reducing a load on a providing side whenproviding various content data obtained by combining a plurality ofcontent data.

Also, an object of the present invention is to provide a data generationapparatus, a data reproduction apparatus, a data processing system andthe methods capable of reducing a load for storing content data on aproviding side when providing various content data obtained by combininga plurality of content data.

To attain the above objects, a first invention is a data generationapparatus for generating reproduction format designation data fordesignating a reproduction format at a providing destination of aplurality of content data, comprising a data generation means forgenerating, for respective identification data of said plurality ofcontent data, reproduction format designation data for indicating byassociating the identification data, reproduction timing of said contentdata corresponding to the identification data at said providingdestination, and data for specifying other content data to be reproducedat a time with said content data corresponding to the identificationdata at said providing destination.

Also, said data generation means of the first invention preferablygenerates said reproduction format designation data including a firstdata portion including update timing regulation data indicating timingthat said providing destination receives new said reproduction formatdesignation data; and a plurality of second data portions provided bycorresponding respectively to said plurality of content data, indicatingby associating said identification data of corresponding content data,said reproduction timing, and data for specifying said other contentdata to be reproduced at a time.

A data reproduction apparatus of a second invention comprises an inputmeans for receiving as an input, for respective identification data of aplurality of content data, reproduction format designation dataindicating by associating the identification data, reproduction timingof said content data corresponding to the identification data at saidproviding destination, and data for specifying said other content datato be reproduced at a time with said content data corresponding to theidentification data at said providing destination; and a reproductionmeans for simultaneously reproducing, for said respective identificationdata indicated by said reproduction format designation data received bysaid input means, content data corresponding to the identification data,and said other content data corresponding to the identification data atsaid reproduction timing corresponding to the identification data.

Effects of the data reproduction apparatus of the second invention areas below.

The input means receives as an input, for respective identification dataof a plurality of content data, reproduction format designation dataindicating by associating the identification data, reproduction timingof said content data corresponding to the identification data at theproviding destination, and data for specifying said other content datato be reproduced simultaneously with the content data corresponding tothe identification data at the providing destination.

Next, the reproducing means reproduces, for the respectiveidentification data indicated in the reproduction format designationdata received by the input means, content data corresponding to theidentification data and the other content data corresponding to theidentification data simultaneously at the reproduction timingcorresponding to the identification data.

A data processing system of a third invention comprises a datageneration apparatus for generating reproduction format designation datafor designating a reproduction format of a plurality of content data ata providing destination, and a data reproduction apparatus forreproducing based on said reproduction format designation data generatedby said data generation apparatus; wherein said data generationapparatus generates, for respective identification data of saidplurality of content data, reproduction format designation dataindicating by associating the identification data, reproduction timingof said content data corresponding to the identification data at saidproviding destination, and data for specifying said other content datato be simultaneously reproduced with said content data corresponding tothe identification data at said providing destination, and transmitssaid generated reproduction format designation data to said datareproduction apparatus; and said data reproduction apparatus reproduces,for said respective identification data indicated by said reproductionformat designation data received from said data generation apparatus,content data corresponding to the identification data and said othercontent data corresponding to the identification data at a time at saidreproduction timing corresponding to the identification data.

A data generation method of a fourth invention for generatingreproduction format designation data for designating a reproductionformat at a providing destination of a plurality of content data,comprises a first step for receiving as an input an operationinstruction; and a second step for generating, for respectiveidentification data of said plurality of content data, based on saidoperation instruction received in said first step, reproduction formatdesignation data indicating by associating the identification data,reproduction timing of said content data corresponding to theidentification data at said providing destination, and data forspecifying said other content data to be simultaneously reproduced withsaid content data corresponding to the identification data at saidproviding destination.

A data reproduction method of a fifth invention comprises a first stepfor receiving as an input, for respective identification data of aplurality of content data, reproduction format designation dataindicating by associating the identification data, reproduction timingof said content data corresponding to the identification data at saidproviding destination, and data for specifying said other content datato be simultaneously reproduced with said content data corresponding tothe identification data at said providing destination; and a second stepfor reproducing, for said respective identification data indicated bysaid reproduction format designation data received in said first step,content data corresponding to the identification data and said othercontent data corresponding to the identification data at a time at saidreproduction timing corresponding to the identification data.

A data processing method of a sixth invention comprises a first step forgenerating by a data generation apparatus, for respective identificationdata of said plurality of content data, reproduction format designationdata indicating by associating the identification data, reproductiontiming of said content data corresponding to the identification data atsaid providing destination, and data for specifying said other contentdata to be reproduced at a time with said content data corresponding tothe identification data at said providing destination; a second step fortransmitting said reproduction format designation data generated in saidfirst step from said data generation apparatus to a data reproductionapparatus; and a third step for reproducing by said data reproductionapparatus, for said respective identification data indicated in saidreproduction format designation data received in said second step,content data corresponding to the identification data and said othercontent data corresponding to the identification data at a time at saidreproduction timing corresponding to the identification data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of the configuration of an RFD data creation apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view for explaining a modified example of the embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a display example when creating RFD dataaccording to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining an example of a menu reproduced by areproduction apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a view of a hardware configuration of the RFD data creationapparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a view of a flowchart showing an RFD data creation method.

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining an example of an RFD data creation menu.

FIG. 8A is a view showing a format of a moving image file, FIG. 8B is aview showing a format of a still image file, FIG. 8C is a view showing aformat of a telop file, and FIG. 8D is a view showing a format of anexternal device control file.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a format of a header portion added to a movingimage file and a still image file.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a format of a telop file.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a format of an external device control file.

FIG. 12A is a view showing a format of RFD data, and FIG. 12B is a viewshowing a format of a transmission log.

FIG. 13 is a view showing a format of an RFD data header portion and atransmission log header portion.

FIG. 14 is a view showing a format of a body portion of RFD data andtransmission log.

FIG. 15A is a view showing an example of RFD data, and FIG. 15B is aview for explaining a transmission order of content data.

FIG. 16 is a view for explaining a moving image sequence list which iscreated when file classification of RFD data is a moving image.

FIG. 17 is a view showing a management menu when control of an externaldevice of RFD data is made to be a file.

FIG. 18 is a view of a hardware configuration of the reproductionapparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 19 is a view for explaining a network advertisement system whereinthe present invention is applied.

FIG. 20 is a view for explaining a training system wherein the presentinvention is applied.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Below, an embodiment of the present invention will be explained withreference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a view of the configuration of a data processing system of anembodiment of the present invention.

The data processing system shown in FIG. 1 comprises an RFD datacreation apparatus 1 and a reproduction apparatus 9, and they areconnected via a network 8.

In FIG. 1, the RFD data creation apparatus 1 corresponds to the datageneration apparatus, and the reproduction apparatus 9 corresponds tothe data reproduction apparatus.

In the data processing system shown in FIG. 1, the RFD data creationapparatus 1 creates RFD (reproduction format designated) data (playlist) and sends the same to the reproduction apparatus 9.

Here, the RFD data corresponds to reproduction format designation dataof the present invention and indicates by associating, for respectiveidentification data of a plurality of content data (material data), theidentification data, reproducing timing of content data corresponding tothe identification data in the reproduction apparatus 9, and data forspecifying other content data to be reproduced at a time with thecontent data corresponding to the identification data in thereproduction apparatus 9. Namely, the RFD data designates reproductionformats of a plurality of content data in the reproduction apparatus 9and does not store the content data itself.

Also, the RFD data creation apparatus 1 or other server device sendscontent data specified in the RFD data to the reproduction apparatus 9separately from the RFD data.

Then, the reproduction apparatus 9 performs reproduction by determiningreproduction formats of a plurality of content data received from theRFD data creation apparatus 1 or other server device based on the RFDdata received from the RFD data creation apparatus 1.

RFD Data Creation Apparatus 1

As show in FIG. 1, the RFD data creation apparatus 1 comprises an inputportion 2 for receiving as an input an operation instruction from auser, a memory portion 3 for storing content data, a data generationportion 4 for generating RFD data based on the operation instruction bythe user, a display control portion 5 for displaying an RFD datacreation menu, a memory portion 6 for storing the created RFD data, anda transmission portion 7 for transmitting the RFD data to thereproduction apparatus 9 via a network 8.

The data generation portion 4 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to a datageneration means of the present invention, the display control portion 5corresponds to a display control means of the present invention, and thetransmission portion 7 corresponds to a control means of the presentinvention.

The input portion 2 is connected to a keyboard 2 a and a mouse 2 b andreceives an operation instruction by an operation by a user.

The memory portion 3 stores content data, such as moving images, stillimages and texts for telop.

Note that the case where the content data is stored in the memoryportion 3 will be explained as an example in the present embodiment but,as shown in FIG. 2, the content data may be stored in the content serverdevice 22 on the network 8. In this case, the memory portion 3 storesdata (address) indicating where content data specified by RFD dataexists on the network 8.

By generating RFD data in the RFD data creation apparatus 1 and storingcontent data in the content server 22 as explained above, a load forstoring the content data on the RFD data creation apparatus 1 can bereduced.

Note that, in an example shown in FIG. 2, the reproduction apparatus 9is connected to output devices, such as a PC (personal computer) 21 a, aPDP (plasma display panel) 21 b, a television 21 c and a speaker 21 d,etc.

The data generation portion 4 shown in FIG. 1 generates RFD data basedon an operation instruction by the user input from the input portion 2.

The data generation portion 4 generates, for respective identificationdata of a plurality of content data, RFD data indicating by associatingthe identification data, reproducing timing of content datacorresponding to the identification data in the reproduction apparatus9, and data for specifying other content data to be reproduced with thecontent data corresponding to the identification data in thereproduction apparatus 9.

The memory portion 6 stores the RFD data created by the data generationportion 4.

The transmission portion 7 transmits the RFD data stored in the memoryportion 6 to the reproduction apparatus 9 via the network 8 at apredetermined date and time.

Also, the transmission portion 7 transmits the content data read fromthe memory portion 3 to the reproduction apparatus 9.

First, RFD data generation processing in the RFD data creation apparatus1 will be explained.

FIG. 3 is an example of an input menu 10 displayed on a display device 5a by the display control portion 5 when an instruction of creating RFDdata is given by a keyboard and a mouse.

A content selection menu 11 showing a series of selectable content datastored in the memory portion 3 is displayed on the input menu 10 of thedisplay device 5 a by the display control portion 5.

Furthermore, an RFD data creation menu 12 is displayed on the input menu10.

In the RFD data creation menu 12, date and time for performingreproducing processing of content data in accordance with the RFD datato be created and time for carrying out an event (reproduction) by therespective content data are described along the abscissa axis.

Also, the axis of ordinate is divided by attributes of content data,such as a moving image, a still image and telop.

For example, when desiring to reproduce a moving image 1 by thereproduction apparatus 9 at 06:00:25, a user selects the moving image 1from a moving image list on the content selection menu 11 and pastes ona predetermined field on the RFD data creation menu 12 as shown by anarrow A by a drag and drop operation with a mouse 2 b. The operation ofpasting on a predetermined field (an input field in the presentinvention) on the RFD data creation menu 12 is performed in the same wayin the case of a still image and telop.

The data generation portion 4 generates RFD data based on the operationby the user.

The thus created RFD data is stored in the memory portion 6.

The RFD data stored in the memory portion 6 is transmitted to thereproduction apparatus 9 by the transmission portion 7 via the network 8before transmission (reproduction) date and time written in the RFD dataand the event (reproduction) is executed in the reproduction apparatus 9at the specified date and time written in the RFD data.

FIG. 4 is an example of a menu reproduced at the time “06:00:25” in thereproduction apparatus 9 by the above operation.

As explained above, since a size of the screen and a position on thescreen at the time of reproduction are written in the RFD data, on thescreen 15 of a not shown monitor, etc. connected to the reproductionapparatus 9, the event written in the RFD data is executed so that amoving image is displayed on a moving image display field 16, a stillimage is displayed on a still image display field 17 and a telop isdisplayed on a telop display field 18 as positions on the screenspecified by the RFD data. Note that the still image display field 17for a still image may be displayed as a background of a moving image andtelop.

As explained above, by only creating the RFD data for specifying adisplay order and the display time, etc. of a moving image, still imageand telop, etc. on the screen, the user can realize display combining amoving image, still image and telop without complex editing work.

Also, while a detailed format will be explained later on, the RFD datais written data for associating a plurality of content data to bereproduced at a time.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when desiring to display a still imageand telop at a time while reproducing a moving image, event numbers ofthe still image and telop to be displayed at a time are written in anevent section indicating execution of the moving image written in theRFD data.

As a result, when performing skip reproduction or shuttle search on amoving image composed of a plurality of files, it is possible toimmediately refer to relating event numbers and to attain specialreproduction of an event wherein content data having differentattributes are combined.

Below, a configuration example of the RFD data creation apparatus 1shown in FIG. 1 will be explained.

FIG. 5 is a view of the hardware configuration of the RFD data creationapparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1.

The RFD data creation apparatus 1 is, for example, a PC (personalcomputer) and has the configuration wherein a CPU (central processingunit) 31 for controlling the whole apparatus, memories, such as a ROM(read only memory) 32 and a RAM (random access memory) 33, an HDD (harddisk drive) 34, an input interface 35, a graphic interface 36 and acommunication interface 37 are connected to a bus 38.

Here, the input interface 35 corresponds to an input portion 2 shown inFIG. 1, the HDD 34 corresponds to a memory portion 3 and memory portion6 shown in FIG. 1, the CPU 31 corresponds to a data generation portion 4shown in FIG. 1, the CPU 31 and the graphic interface 36 correspond to adisplay control portion 5 shown in FIG. 1, and the communicationinterface 37 corresponds to a transmission portion 7 shown in FIG. 1,

The RAM 33 temporarily stores at least a part of programs of an OS(operation system) and application programs executed by the CPU 31.

Also, the ROM 32 stores firmware, etc. which are necessary foractivating the HDD 34.

Also, the HDD 34 stores an OS, an application program for creating RFDdata, content data, such as moving images, still images and telops, andcreated RFD data.

The input interface 35 is connected to a mouse 35 a and a keyboard 35 b.The input interface 35 transmits a signal sent from the mouse 35 a andthe keyboard 35 b to the CPU 31 via the bus 38.

The graphic interface 36 is connected to the monitor 36 a. The graphicinterface 36 makes an image displayed on a screen of the monitor 36 a inaccordance with an instruction from the CPU 31.

The communication interface 37 is connected to the network 8. Thecommunication interface 37 transmits created RFD data to thereproduction apparatus 9 via the network 8.

Below, a method of creating RFD data in the RFD data creation apparatus1 shown in FIG. 5 will be explained.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an RFD data creation method.

[Step ST1]

The CPU 31 receives an instruction of creating RFD data made by themouse 35 a and the keyboard 35 b by a user via the input interface 35.

[Step ST2]

In response to the RFD data creation instruction by the user, the CPU 31executes an application program stored in the HDD 34. As a result,processing is performed in the graphic interface 36 and, for example, aninput menu (RFD creation menu) 10 or 40 shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 7 isdisplayed on the monitor 36 a.

FIG. 7 is an example of an input menu displayed on the monitor 36 awherein the input menu 10 shown in FIG. 4 is shown further in detail.

In FIG. 7, T1 indicates a title, T2 indicates a time, S indicates asize, CN indicates the number of characters, I indicates an event, INindicates the number of events, R indicates edit, IR indicates urgentreproduction and TR indicates transfer.

As shown in FIG. 7, a content selection window 41 and an RFD datacreation window 42 are displayed on the input menu 40. Note that an editwindow 42 in FIG. 7 is a window displayed when a “02 sample 2” isselected in the list of the content window 41 and, for example, doubleclicked or an edit button 43 is pressed.

Also, in the case where automatic reproduction is desired in anemergency of disaster, when an urgent reproduction button 44 is pressed,an emergency program cuts in to be sent to the reproduction apparatus 9.

Also, when a transfer button 45 on an RFD data field is pressed,selected RFD data is transferred to a reproduction apparatus 9designated by a transfer address 46. Also, when selecting content datain other content selection field and pressing the transfer button, thecontent data is transferred to a transfer address specified by thetransfer address 46.

[Step ST3]

The user performs an edit (creation) operation on RFD data on the RFDdata creation menu displayed on the monitor 36 a in step ST2.

Then, the CPU 31 generates RFD data in accordance with the operation.

On the RFD data creation menu in FIG. 7, the user selects desiredcontent data from a list of content data on the content selection window41 with a mouse 35 a or keyboard 35 b and pastes the material on a fieldat desired time on the RFD data creation window 42 by a drag-and-dropoperation or a copy-and-paste operation with the mouse 35 a.Consequently, an event including identification data of the selectedcontent data can be created. By repeating the operation, RFD datacomposed of a plurality of events can be created.

Furthermore, in the RFD data creation apparatus 1, a control signal forcontrolling an external device provided on the reproduction apparatus 9(external device control) side is managed by the RFD data, so that theexternal device can be controlled.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, on/off control of a power source of aPDP 21 b connected to the reproduction apparatus 9 is possible.Furthermore, it is possible to automatically control floor announcementsin a movie theater, etc., open/close of curtains, and turning on/off oflights in synchronization with the RFD data.

[Step ST4]

The CPU 31 writes the RFD data generated in the step ST3 to the HDD 34.

It is also possible to call up the RFD data stored in the HDD 34 andedit again on the RFD data creation menu in FIG. 7.

Next, a file format of each content data will be explained.

A file of content data is generated in the RFD data creation apparatus 1or the content server device 22.

FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, FIG. 8C and FIG. 8D are schematic formats of contentdata. FIG. 8A is a format of a moving image file, FIG. 8B is a format ofa still image file, FIG. 8C is a format of a telop file, and FIG. 8D isa format of an external device control file.

In the format of a moving image file, for example, a file of the MPEG(moving picture coding experts group) 2 format added with a header fileand a link file is dealt as one file.

The format of a still image, the format of a telop, and the format of anexternal device are same as the format wherein a header portion is addedto a data portion.

FIG. 9 is a format of the header portion added to a moving image fileand a still image file.

As shown in FIG. 9, the header portion is written a version, title, andupdate date and time, etc. of the file.

The reproduction apparatus 9 receives a new content data file (updatefile) at the update date and time shown in FIG. 8 indicated in theheader portion of the received file.

FIG. 10 is a format of a telop file.

In addition to a file version and a country code of the header portion(H01, H02), a title name, update date and time, the number ofcharacters, display classification, assignment of a background color andcharacter color, and a content of the telop, etc. are written as thedata portion (B01 to 07).

FIG. 11 is a format of an external device control file.

In addition to a file version and a country code of the header portion(H01, H02), a title name, update date and time, control classification:GPI output or PDP control, a content of control, etc. are written as thedata portion (B02 to B05).

The reproduction apparatus 9 controls the external device at the sametiming being in synchronization with reproduction of the content databased on the external device control file corresponding to reproducingtiming of the content data to be reproduced in the RFD data.

Below, formats of RFD data and a transmission log generated by the RFDdata creation apparatus 1 will be explained.

Here, the transmission log is a log when the RFD data is transmitted bythe communication interface 37 to the reproduction apparatus 9 via thenetwork 8.

FIGS. 12A and FIG. 12B are schematic formats of the RFD data and thetransmission log. FIG. 12A is a format of the RFD data, and FIG. 12B isa format of the transmission log.

The RFD data and the transmission log have a format comprising RFD data(RFD) header portion or a transmission log header portion and RFD eventportion or a transmission log event portion.

FIG. 13 is a format of the RFD header portion and the transmission logheader portion shown in FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B.

The header portion corresponds to a first data portion of the presentinvention.

As shown in FIG. 13, the header portion is written the total number ofevents, transmission start date and time indicating reproduction startdate and time of the content data using the RFD data in the reproductionapparatus 9, and transmission end date and time, etc. Also, an item ofthe RFD data is written designation of transmission day, etc.

FIG. 14 is a format of a body portion of the RFD data and transmissionlog, which corresponds to the RFD event portion and transmission logevent portion in FIG. 12.

The body portion corresponds to a second data portion of the presentinvention.

As shown in FIG. 14, the event portion is written a file classification,file name, title name, transmission time, scheduled date and time oftransmission, spot accumulated data, display position and display size,etc.

The file classification indicates classification of content data, suchas a moving image, still image and telop, managed by the event and anexternal device control file.

The file name indicates identification data (identification data of thepresent invention) of content data, such as a moving image, still imageand telop, managed by the event and an external device control file.

The scheduled time of transmission indicates date and time (reproductiontiming) when the reproduction apparatus 9 reproduces the content datarelating to the event and controls an external device based on theexternal device control file.

The scheduled time of transmission is generated by the data generationportion 4 shown in FIG. 1 based on a time zone on which identificationdata of the content data is assigned, for example, on the input menushown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 7.

The spot accumulation data indicates the number of frames from an imageframe of the top event in the RFD data to the first frame of a movingimage of the target event.

The display position indicates a position of displaying of images of amoving image, still image and telop, etc. on the reproduction screen ofthe reproduction apparatus 9 in accordance with the content data.

The display size indicates a size of images of a moving image, stillimage and telop, etc. displayed on the reproduction screen in accordancewith the content data.

Also, there is an item of a moving image dependency relationship, stillimage dependency relationship and telop dependency relationship in theRFD data.

The item indicates content data indicated by the file name of the targetevent and identification data of the event portion relating to a movingimage, still image and telop to be reproduced at a time (correspondingto “data for specifying other content data to be reproduced at a time onthe providing destination” in the present invention).

For example, when reproducing a moving image of event number 1, an eventnumber of the telop or still image, etc. to be reproduced or displayedsimultaneously at that time.

The item of the motion image dependency relationship, still imagedependency relationship and telop dependency relationship is generatedon the input menu shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 7 by the generation portion 4shown in FIG. 1 based on identification data of a plurality of contentdata assigned in the same time zone and scheduled to be reproduced at atime.

As a result, even when skipping to any event or performing shuttlesearch, it is possible to refer to relating information of a movingimage, still image and telop for each event, so that it becomes possibleto display by associating a corresponding still image, telop and movingimage after the skipping and shuttle search between RFD data.

In the present embodiment, when reproducing a moving image 1, stillimage 1 and telop 1 at a time, as shown in FIG. 15A, the RFD datacreation apparatus 1 arranges RFD event portions of the moving image 1,still image 1 and telop 1 continuously in the RFD data shown in FIG. 12.

As shown in FIG. 15B, the RFD data creation apparatus 1 controls filedata (content data) of the moving image 1, still image 1 and telop 1 tobe transmitted to the reproduction apparatus 9 in order via the network8.

FIG. 16 is a moving image sequence list which is created when the fileclassification of the RFD data is a moving image (1).

In this way, the moving image sequence list may be created by extractingonly moving files in the RFD data and recording in the HDD 34. As aresult, shuttle search and skip reproduction of a plurality of movingimage files can be controlled without taking out a black image or afreeze image between files.

FIG. 17 is a management menu when control of an external device of theRFD data is made to be a file.

By displaying as a list on the management menu in this way, it ispossible to call up freely from the HDD 34 and operationality for theuser can be improved.

As a result, for example, by turning on/off of the PDP 21 b, switchingan input, and generating a signal to the outside by the GPI only whenRFD data continues, control of turning on/off of floor announcements ina movie theater, open/close of curtains, and turning on/off of lightscan be performed in synchronization with the RFD data.

Reproduction Apparatus 9

Below, the hardware configuration of the reproduction apparatus 9 shownin FIG. 1 will be explained.

FIG. 18 is a view of the hardware configuration of the reproductionapparatus 9 shown in FIG. 1.

A PCI (peripheral component interconnect) bus 50 is connected to ani.LINK (i.LINK is a registered trademark of the Sony Corporation)terminal 51 of the IEEE 1394 standard for controlling and transferringAV data, a network interface 52 for connecting to the network 8 with anEthernet cable, such as 100 BASE-T, a serial controller for serialcommunication based on the RS-232C standard and RS-422A standard, a harddisk controller 54 for controlling an HDD 54 a, a CPU 55 and a PCIbridge 56. Furthermore, the PCI bridge 56 is connected to two MPEGdecoders 57 and 58, and an SDRAM (synchronous dynamic random accessmemory) 59 for AV management.

The i.LINK terminal 51 shown in FIG. 18, the network interface 52 or theserial controller 53 for serial communication corresponds to an inputmeans of the present invention, and the CPU 55 and the MPEG decoders 57and 58 correspond to a reproduction means of the present invention.

The CPU bus 60 is connected to memories, such as an SDRAM 61, a flashmemory 62 and a nonvolatile memory 63, two MPEG decoders 57 and 58, andgraphic controller 64 in addition to the CPU 55.

Furthermore, an analog block 65 is provided as an analog input/outputand connected to an audio/video interface 66. Also, the audio/videointerface 66 is connected to the MPEG decoders 57 and 58 and the graphiccontroller 64.

Furthermore, the reproduction apparatus 9 is provided with a remotecommander signal receiving portion (hereinafter, referred to as IR) 67for receiving an instruction from a user by an infrared remote commanderand transfer the instruction from the remote commander to the CPU 55.

The HDD 54 a stores RFD data transmitted from the above RFD datacreation apparatus 1 in addition to storing content data of a movingimage, still image and text for telop, etc. received via the network 8.

Firmware is executed by a program recorded on the flash memory 62 on theCPU bus 60. The flash memory 62 is mounted a driver for accessing to theHDD 54 a, a driver for using the Ethernet, and various firmware forrealizing a maintenance function. After being activated, the firmware ofthe flash memory 62 searches files on the HDD 54 a and detectsapplication firmware to be executed. Continuously, the firmware from theHDD 54 a is deployed in the SDRAM 61 and the deployed applicationfirmware is executed.

Recording and reproducing of a moving image and controlling of an outputof a still image are performed by commands from the Ethernet, serialcommunication, the remote commander and a control panel. Also, a methodof storing a transmission list inside and starting the transmission listby a trigger of time or the remote commander may be used.

Reproduction or display of content data in the reproduction apparatus 9will be explained.

When RFD data is received at the network interface 52 from the RFD datacreation apparatus 1 via the network 8, it is recorded in the HDD 54 aunder control of the CPU 55.

The CPU 55 takes out content data to be used from the HDD 54 a atpredetermined time and with a predetermined screen size based ondescription in the RFD data, performs processing in the graphiccontroller 64, etc. and outputs to the PDP 21 b, etc. to display.

For example, in the case of reproducing a moving image of the MPEG2format, when a reproduction command is received from the CPU 55,designated video data is searched from files recorded in the HDD 54 aand the data is successively transferred to the PCI bridge 56.

The transfer is performed by the hard disk controller 54 under controlof the CPU 55. In the PCI bridge 56, data is deployed in the SDRAM 59 asa memory for AV management. The PCI bridge 56 transfers data to the MPEGdecoders 57 and 58 and a not shown audio decoder at a constant rate insynchronization with the real-time.

The CPU 55 performs transfer by estimating a data consumption amount ofthe SDRAM 59 of the PCI bridge 56 from the real-time, successivelyreading data from the HDD 54 a, and transferring to the SDRAM 61 so asnot to underflow or overflow the data.

The CPU 55 reproduces the content data based on the RFD event portionshown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 14 in the RFD data.

The CPU 55 performs reproduction processing on the content datacorresponding to a file name of the RFD event portion so as to bedisplayed at the scheduled date and time of transmission, at the displayposition and display size.

At this time, the CPU 55 simultaneously reproduces content datacorresponding to the RFD event portion indicated in a dependencyrelationship of a moving image, still image and telop of the RFD eventportion.

Also, when the RFD event portion relates to external device controldata, the CPU 55 controls the external device based on the externaldevice control data at the scheduled date and time of transmission.

Furthermore, when the RFD event portion relates to a moving image of thecontent data, the CPU 55 counts the number of frames based on spotaccumulation data and determines timing of starting reproduction of themoving image.

Here, by using two decoders, such as the MPEG decoders 57 and 58, twoimage data can be connected seamlessly with frame accuracy. The MPEG 2compresses data by estimating a motion from adjacent image data.

Accordingly, there is a part where image data cannot be built alone insome frames. When an edit point is designated at such a position, videocannot be connected to be a normal image.

Thus, by using two MPEG decoders 57 and 58 and providing a videoswitcher to a decoder output portion, cut edit at any point becomespossible by decoding each video data separately, performing deploymentof compressed image individually and normally, and switching by theexternal switcher in an analog way.

As explained above, since identification data of an event portion ofother content data to be simultaneously reproduced is written by beingassociated with identification data of respective content data in theRFD data, the reproduction apparatus 9 can specify such other contentdata easily based thereon.

As a result, when performing skip reproduction and shuttle search in amoving image composed of a plurality of files, it is possible toimmediately refer to relating event numbers and special reproduction ofan event wherein content data having different attributes are combined.

Also, when a user inputs to perform shuttle search or skip reproductionwith a remote commander by receiving a moving image sequence listcreated by extracting only moving files specified by the RFD data asshown in FIG. 16 and reproducing by the decoders 57 and 58 based on thedescription, shuttle search and skip reproduction of a plurality ofmoving image files can be controlled without taking out a black imageand freeze image between files.

Also, as explained above, the RFD data manages control signals forcontrolling an external device, and the CPU 55 controls by the serialcontroller 53 turning on/off of a power source of the external device,such as the PDP 21 b, and switching inputs.

Furthermore, due to the provision of the GPI terminal, etc., forexample, open/close of curtains and turning on/off of lights in a movietheater or theater can be automatically performed in accordance with theRFD data, so that a reduction of manpower, costs and energy consumptioncan be expected.

Also, as explained by using FIG. 15A, when reproducing the moving image1, still image 1 and telop 1 at a time, RFD event portions of the movingimage 1, still image 1 and telop 1 are sequentially arranged in the RFDdata, and file data (content data) of the moving image 1, still image 1and telop 1 are transmitted to the reproduction apparatus 9 in order viathe network 8. Therefore, the reproduction apparatus 9 can startreproduction at an early stage at timing of receiving the final data ofa plurality of file data to be simultaneously reproduced.

According to the content data reproduction system of the presentinvention, a system below can be attained.

FIG. 19 is a network advertisement system.

The network advertisement system comprises a head office 70 having theabove RFD data creation apparatus 1, a content distributor 71 fordistributing content, and shops 73 a, 73 b and 73 c having the abovereproduction apparatus 9, and these are connected via a network 72.

The head office 70 having the RFD data creation apparatus 1 sends RFDdata to the shops 73 a, 73 b and 73 c having the above reproductionapparatus 9 via the network 72. Along with this, advertisement contentis sent from the content distributor 71, and the advertisement contentcan be automatically executed in accordance with the RFD data 75 in theshops.

FIG. 20 is a training system adopted in companies, etc.

The training system comprises a head office 80 for supplying content andcreating RFD data 75, and a plurality of reproduction apparatuses 84 aconnected by a LAN with a server 83 installed in a company 82 connectedto the head office 80 via a network 81.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to automaticallyreproduce content for training in the plurality of reproductionapparatuses 84 a installed in the company 82 in accordance withdescription of the RFD data. Here, the reproduction apparatus 84 a hasthe same configuration as the above reproduction apparatus 9.

Also, in a museum, etc., it is also possible to realize a system ofproviding a reproduction apparatus for each exhibit to automaticallyreproduce presentation content for the exhibit at a scheduled time.

As explained above, according to the data processing system of thepresent embodiment, RFD data is generated in the RFD data creationapparatus 1 and sent to the reproduction apparatus 9 and, separatelyfrom that, content data is sent to the reproduction apparatus 9.Therefore, when changing a reproduction menu of the reproductionapparatus 9 or providing different reproducing menus to a plurality ofreproduction apparatuses 9, it is sufficient to change only the RFD datain the RFD data creation apparatus 1, so that a load on the RFD datacreation apparatus 1 can be reduced.

Also, according to the data processing system of the present embedment,as shown in FIG. 2, by providing content data from the content serverdevice 22 to the reproduction apparatus 9, it becomes unnecessary forthe RFD data creation apparatus 1 to store the content data itself, sothat a load for storing on the RFD data creation apparatus 1 can bereduced.

Also, according to the data processing system of the present embodiment,since information indicating a dependency relationship between othercontent data to be reproduced simultaneously is written in the RFD data,in the case of performing skip reproduction or shuttle search in amoving image composed of a plurality of files in the reproductionapparatus 9, it is possible to immediately refer to relating eventnumbers and to perform special reproduction of an event, wherein contentdata having different attributes are combined, at a high speed.

Also, according to the data processing system of the present embodiment,since a control signal for controlling an external device is managed byRFD data, it is possible to automatically control the external device insynchronization with the RFD data. As a result, an unattended operationof the external device becomes possible and a reduction of costs can beexpected. Also, energy conservation can be expected.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As explained above, the data generation apparatus, a data reproductionapparatus, a data processing system and the methods are suitable to thecase of managing reproduction formats of content data, such as a movingimage, still image and text.

1. A data generation apparatus for generating reproduction formatdesignation data for specifying a reproduction format at a providingdestination of a plurality of content data, comprising: data generationmeans for generating, for respective identification data of saidplurality of content data, reproduction format designation data forindicating by associating the identification data, reproduction timingof said content data corresponding to the identification data at saidproviding destination, and data for specifying additional content datato be reproduced at a time with said content data corresponding to theidentification data at said providing destination, wherein saididentification data reproduced is written in RFD (reproduction formatdesignated) data and executed so that a moving image is displayed on amoving image display field, a still image is displayed on a still imagedisplay field and a telop is displayed on a telop display field aspositions on a screen specified by said RFD data, and wherein said RFDdata, which does not contain the content data, specifies a display orderand display time, which is utilized when the plurality of content data,having different attributes, are combined.
 2. A data generationapparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said data generation meansgenerates said reproduction format designation data comprising: a firstdata portion including update timing regulation data indicating thatsaid providing destination receives new said reproduction formatdesignation data; and a plurality of second data portions provided bycorresponding content data, indicating said identification data ofcorresponding content data, said reproduction timing, and data forspecifying said additional content data to be reproduced at a time.
 3. Adata generation apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said datageneration means generates said reproduction format designation dataincluding identification data of said second data portion to besimultaneously reproduced as data for specifying said additional contentdata to be simultaneously reproduced.
 4. A data generation apparatus asset forth in claim 2, wherein: when said content data is image data,said data generation means generates said second data portion furtherincluding data indicating a display position and a display size of saidimage data.
 5. A data generation apparatus as set forth in claim 1,further comprising: a control means for controlling to transmit saidreproduction format designation data generated by said data generationmeans to said providing destination.
 6. A data generation apparatus asset forth in claim 1, further comprising: a control means forcontrolling transmission of said plurality of content data to bereproduced simultaneously to said providing destination.
 7. A datageneration apparatus as set forth in claim 1, comprising: a displaycontrol means for regulating said reproduction timing, having inputfields for specifying said plurality of content data to be reproduced atthe same reproduction timing, and controlling display of an input menuprovided by said plurality of input fields in accordance with saidreproduction timing; wherein said data generation means generates, foreach of said identification data of said plurality of content data inputto said input field on said input menu displayed, said reproductionformat designation data indicating the content data with data specifyingsaid additional content data to be simultaneously reproduced.
 8. A datageneration apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said content datais at least one data of said moving image, said still image and text. 9.A data generation apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said datageneration means generates said reproduction format designation data byassociating control data for controlling an apparatus of said providingdestination to control timing of the apparatus.
 10. A data generationapparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein, when said content data ismoving image data, reproduction format designation data is generatedindicating the number of frames from a predetermined frame to a frame tobe reproduced first in the moving image.
 11. A data reproductionapparatus, comprising: input means for receiving as an input, forrespective identification data of a plurality of content data,reproduction format designation data associating the identificationdata, reproduction timing of said content data corresponding to theidentification data at a providing destination, and data for specifyingadditional content data to be reproduced at a time with said contentdata corresponding to the identification data at said providingdestination; and reproduction means for simultaneously reproducingcontent data corresponding to the identification data, and saidadditional content data corresponding to the identification data at saidreproduction timing corresponding to the identification data, whereinsaid identification data reproduced is written in RFD (reproductionformat designated) data and executed so that a moving image is displayedon a moving image display field, a still image is displayed on a stillimage display field and a telop is displayed on a telop display field aspositions on a screen specified by said RFD data, and wherein said RFDdata, which does not contain the content data, specifies a display orderand display time, which is utilized when the plurality of content data,having different attributes, are combined.
 12. A data reproductiongeneration apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein said content datais at least one data of said moving image, said still image and text.13. A data reproduction apparatus as set forth in claim 11, furthercomprising: when said reproduction format designation data indicates byfurther associating control data for controlling an apparatus of saidproviding destination control means for controlling said apparatus basedon control data corresponding to the reproduction timing.
 14. A datareproduction apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein: when saidcontent data is moving image data and said reproduction formatdesignation data indicates a frame to be reproduced first in the movingimage, said reproduction means determines timing of startingreproduction of said moving image based on spot accumulation data.
 15. Adata processing system, comprising: a data generation apparatus forgenerating reproduction format designation data for specifying areproduction format of a plurality of content data at a providingdestination; and a data reproduction apparatus for reproducing based onsaid reproduction format designation data generated by said datageneration apparatus, wherein said data generation apparatus generates,for respective identification data of said plurality of content data,reproduction format designation data indicating by associating theidentification data, reproduction timing of said content datacorresponding to the identification data at said providing destination,and data for specifying said additional content data to besimultaneously reproduced with said content data corresponding to theidentification data at said providing destination, and transmits saidgenerated reproduction format designation data to said data reproductionapparatus, wherein said data reproduction apparatus reproduces, for saidrespective identification data indicated by said reproduction formatdesignation data received from said data generation apparatus, contentdata corresponding to the identification data and said additionalcontent data corresponding to the identification data at a time at saidreproduction timing corresponding to the identification data, whereinsaid identification data is written in RFD (reproduction formatdesignated) data and executed so that a moving image is displayed on amoving image display field, a still image is displayed on a still imagedisplay field and a telop is displayed on a telop display field aspositions on a screen specified by said RFD data, and wherein said RFDdata, which does not contain the content data, specifies a display orderand display time, which is utilized when the plurality of content data,having different attributes, are combined.
 16. A data generation methodfor generating reproduction format designation data for specifying areproduction format at a providing destination of a plurality of contentdata, comprising: a first step for receiving as an input an operationinstruction; a second step for generating, for respective identificationdata of said plurality of content data, based on said operationinstruction received in said first step, reproduction format designationdata indicating by associating the identification data, reproductiontiming of said content data corresponding to the identification data atsaid providing destination, and data for specifying said additionalcontent data to be simultaneously reproduced with said content datacorresponding to the identification data at said providing destination;writing said identification data in RFD (reproduction format designated)data, which does not contain the content data; displaying a moving imageon a moving image display field; displaying a still image on a stillimage display field; displaying a telop on a telop display field aspositions on a screen specified by said RFD data; and specifying adisplay order and display time, which is utilized when the plurality ofcontent data, having different attributes, are combined.
 17. A datareproduction method, comprising: a first step for receiving as an input,for respective identification data of a plurality of content data,reproduction format designation data indicating by associating theidentification data, reproduction timing of said content datacorresponding to the identification data at said providing destination,and data for specifying said additional content data to besimultaneously reproduced with said content data corresponding to theidentification data at said providing destination; a second step forreproducing, for said respective identification data indicated by saidreproduction format designation data received in said first step,content data corresponding to the identification data and saidadditional content data corresponding to the identification data at atime at said reproduction timing corresponding to the identificationdata; writing said identification data in RFD (reproduction formatdesignated) data, which does not contain the content data; displaying amoving image on a moving image display field; displaying a still imageon a still image display field; displaying a telop on a telop displayfield as positions on a screen specified by said RFD data; andspecifying a display order and display time, which is utilized when theplurality of content data, having different attributes, are combined.18. A data processing method, comprising: a first step for generating bya data generation apparatus, for respective identification data of saidplurality of content data, reproduction format designation dataindicating by associating the identification data, reproduction timingof said content data corresponding to the identification data at saidproviding destination, and data for specifying said additional contentdata to be reproduced at a time with said content data corresponding tothe identification data at said providing destination; a second step fortransmitting said reproduction format designation data generated in saidfirst step from said data generation apparatus to a data reproductionapparatus; a third step for reproducing by said data reproductionapparatus, for said respective identification data indicated in saidreproduction format designation data received in said second step,content data corresponding to the identification data and saidadditional content data corresponding to the identification data at atime at said reproduction timing corresponding to the identificationdata; writing said identification data in RFD (reproduction formatdesignated) data, which does not contain the content data; displaying amoving image on a moving image display field; displaying a still imageon a still image display field; displaying a telop on a telop displayfield as positions on a screen specified by said RFD data; andspecifying a display order and display time, which is utilized when theplurality of content data, having different attributes, are combined.